- August 1, 2014
- Minicore Studios
The Sun at Night
The Sun at Night is the weirdest bit of alt history I've ever played
Platforms
About
Explore, blast, and shield your way through massive branching levels as Laika the space dog. This 2D adventure features customized gameplay and an incredibly deep narrative.











- The game features a unique and intriguing story set in an alternate history with a lovable main character, Laika, the cybernetic dog.
- The upgrade system allows for character customization and progression, enhancing the gameplay experience.
- The pixel art and overall presentation have charm, with some players enjoying the exploration and secrets within the large levels.
- The map system is overly complicated and difficult to navigate, leading to confusion and frustration during gameplay.
- Gameplay feels unpolished and lacks variety, with repetitive quests and combat mechanics that do not engage players.
- The dialogue and text-heavy storytelling can be overwhelming, detracting from the overall experience and making it hard to follow the plot.
story
43 mentions Positive Neutral NegativeThe game's story is described as engaging yet convoluted, with major plot elements conveyed through brief chat windows and a plethora of minor quests that often feel like busy work. While some players appreciate the intriguing sci-fi themes and world-building through scattered notes, many find the narrative disjointed and the gameplay repetitive, leading to a lack of motivation to progress. Overall, the story has potential but is hampered by poor pacing and unclear objectives, leaving players wanting more coherence and direction.
“The plot unfolds across a wealth of sprawling, open levels comprised of dozens if not hundreds of interconnected halls and rooms each.”
“Many of your interactions and discoveries will give you quests that are tracked on your map and advance the branches of the story, unlock new abilities, or provide other bonuses worth chasing.”
“There are many small notes scattered around the levels for you to find and read if you want; these help fill out the story and build up the world narrative, making it feel more alive.”
“Major plot elements are told in tiny two-line chat windows and interspersed with a large number of minor quests that feel like busy work.”
“While the story is okay, the slog to get through it simply isn't worth the time.”
“There are just way too many concepts and plot threads flying around, and the longer the game goes on, the more confusing it gets.”
The Sun at Night review: lost in space
The Sun at Night is the weirdest bit of alt history I've ever played
70%The Sun at Night - A frustrating experience in a wonderful wrapper
The Sun at Night is a wonderful idea that features a lovable main character with a very interesting past. Unfortunately, the gameplay does not feel like it is quite there yet, as its adherence to old-school design elements impairs player accessibility. There are tools built around the game, such as the bumping music, that could help it succeed but the issues hold back those positives from shining too bright. The potential for a fantastic product is there, but Minicore could not grasp that potential in the final version of The Sun at Night.
55%